Hello Bruce,
 
You already got the A-number one welcome from Tom..he's great. Welcome
to the group, I'm new myself, but everyone is really very nice and
understanding of us amateurs.  My husband and I began collecting while
he was in the Navy and he dove all over also, I only really did my
diving in the mostly clear waters of Oahu, but he always had a better
eye for finding shells.  We knew we were hooked when we began collecting
ugly shells and we also had the good fortune to meet up with Chris
Takakhashi in Honolulu..that guy really knows his stuff and he had some
great dive spots around the island.
 
I also love the cowries and we used to have a great many..most were sold
a few years ago..but then again since I am just begining to look at the
collection again after it has been boxed for 4-6 years who knows what I
may rediscover? Anyway, if you have any questions that might make good
threads for this bunch, just ask away! Again, welcome!
 
Patti Lounsbury in New Mexico (also landlocked)
 
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